T-Online, the German internet service provider (ISP), is reported to be among those interested in buying the European business of US portal ExciteAtHome.

The two companies have had exploratory talks and T-Online - the internet division of Deutsche Telekom - has yet to decide whether to open full-scale negotiations, the Wall Street Journal Europe newspaper reported.

Last month, Excite said it had received a number of approaches that could lead to a sale of the company.